NAS (NextCare) vs Salama Islamic Insurance
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
NAS (NextCare)
tpa10,345 providers
2 plans
Est. 1999
DHA, DOH, MOHAP regulated
Salama Islamic Insurance
private5,657 providers
2 plans
Est. 1979
DHA, DOH, MOHAP regulated
NAS (NextCare) has 2 plans from AED 2,500 a year and 10,345 in-network providers in 8 cities. Salama Islamic Insurance has 2 plans from AED 2,500 a year and 5,657 in-network providers in 8 cities. Both insurers have the most providers in Dubai. Network counts are providers in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory that list each insurer; premiums are indicative.
NAS (NextCare) vs Salama Islamic Insurance — At a Glance
| Attribute | NAS (NextCare) | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tpa | private |
| Founded | 1999 | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, DOH, MOHAP | DHA, DOH, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,500 – 13,000 | AED 2,500 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 10,345 | 5,657 |
| Cities Covered | 8 | 8 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | Yes | Yes |
| International | No | No |
| Co-pay Range | 20% | 20% |
| Phone (from the insurer's website) | 800 2311 | 800 725262 (SALAMA) |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | NAS (NextCare) | vs | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 5,030 | vs | 3,036 |
| Abu Dhabi | 2,321 | vs | 1,189 |
| Sharjah | 1,605 | vs | 878 |
| Al Ain | 566 | vs | 224 |
| Ajman | 362 | vs | 135 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 248 | vs | 106 |
| Fujairah | 166 | vs | 65 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 47 | vs | 24 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
NAS (NextCare) Plans
NAS (NextCare)
NextCare Essential
Mandatory compliance for employers across UAE
AED 2,500 – 4,800/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
10,345 providers
View details →NAS (NextCare)
NextCare Gold
Corporate employees seeking comprehensive TPA-managed coverage
AED 6,000 – 13,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 750,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
10,345 providers
View details →Salama Islamic Insurance Plans
Salama Islamic Insurance
Salama Basic Takaful Health
Employers seeking Sharia-compliant mandatory health coverage across UAE
AED 2,500 – 5,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
5,657 providers
View details →Salama Islamic Insurance
Salama Enhanced Takaful Health
Corporate employees and families across UAE wanting enhanced Takaful
AED 6,000 – 13,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 750,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
5,657 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose NAS (NextCare) if you need a larger provider network. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you prioritise strong coverage and established reputation. Both are established insurers in the UAE market. The best choice depends on your employer's plan options, budget, required coverage, and preferred hospital network in your city.
NAS (NextCare) vs Salama Islamic Insurance — FAQ
Which is better, NAS (NextCare) or Salama Islamic Insurance?
It depends on your needs. NAS (NextCare) has 10,345 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr. Salama Islamic Insurance has 5,657 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,500/yr. Choose NAS (NextCare) if you need a larger provider network. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you prioritise strong coverage and established reputation.
Is NAS (NextCare) cheaper than Salama Islamic Insurance?
Both NAS (NextCare) and Salama Islamic Insurance have entry-level plans starting from AED 2,500/yr. However, pricing varies by age, nationality, visa type, and employer. Compare enhanced and premium tiers for a full picture, and always obtain personalised quotes.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, NAS (NextCare) or Salama Islamic Insurance?
NAS (NextCare) has a larger Dubai network with 5,030 providers, compared to Salama Islamic Insurance's 3,036 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does NAS (NextCare) or Salama Islamic Insurance cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. NAS (NextCare)'s dental sub-limit goes up to AED 4,000/yr, while Salama Islamic Insurance offers up to AED 4,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from NAS (NextCare) to Salama Islamic Insurance?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from NAS (NextCare) to Salama Islamic Insurance (or vice versa), be aware of: (1) Pre-existing condition waiting periods may restart — check the new insurer's policy, (2) Maternity waiting periods usually reset, (3) Any ongoing treatment authorisations need to be re-submitted. Coordinate with your employer's HR department if on a group plan. Both NAS (NextCare) and Salama Islamic Insurance have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare NAS (NextCare) and Salama Islamic Insurance plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare NAS (NextCare) and Salama Islamic Insurance side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — NAS (NextCare) starts from AED 2,500/yr, Salama Islamic Insurance from AED 2,500/yr, (2) Network size — 10,345 vs 5,657 providers, (3) Coverage — dental, optical, maternity, and mental health inclusion, (4) Co-pay percentages, and (5) Provider availability in your city. Scroll down for the full comparison table.
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Disclaimer: Plan details, premiums, and network sizes are indicative, based on publicly available UAE insurance market data. Obtain personalised quotes from NAS (NextCare) and Salama Islamic Insurance or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.